Application of inkjet printing using micro-nano CL-20-based PVA colloidal suspension with desensitization to MEMS-based pyrotechnics

The micro-scale detonation sequence prepared by the inkjet printing using all-liquid 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazawurtzitan (CL-20)-based energetic inks enables the micro-space fine-scale assembly and stable propagation of detonation. However, the easy crystallization and high mechanical sensitivity of all-liquid CL-20 limit its applications to the microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based pyrotechnics. This study developed a simple micro-nano CL-20-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) colloidal suspension suitable for inkjet printing to control the crystal structures and mechanical sensitivities of energetic composites. The results show that the CL-20-based multilayer films formed by inkjet printing had dense microstructures, with the porosity decreasing to 13.81% and ε-type crystals. Compared with micro-nano CL-20 particles, the impact and friction sensitivities of CL-20-based multilayer films were reduced by 100% and 122%, respectively, and their apparent activation energy increased by 44.7 ​kJ ​mol⁻¹, thus effectively improving the safety performance of micro-nano structured explosive agents. Therefore, CL-20-based multilayer films have great potential for application to the micro-scale detonation sequence of MEMS.